Shay Given was the toast of Dublin when the Republic of Ireland returned home this afternoon following their goalless draw with Albania in Tirana.

Speaking of the Newcastle United keeper, Sunderland's Irish midfielder Kevin Kilbane said today: "Shay has kept our hopes alive of appearing in the Euro 2004 finals in Portugal."

A view shared by the Republic's goalkeeping coach Packy Bonner.

He said: "We have been saying for some time now Given is a world- class performer.

"Well, judging from what we saw in Tirana last night he is up there with some of the best goal-keepers in the world.

"Some of his saves were out of the top drawer and he turned in what I can only describe as a world-class performance.

"We know he has been in brilliant form for Newcastle United in the last two seasons and he always brings that form with him when he comes to play for Ireland."

Kenny Cunningham believes the Republic need to turn Lansdowne Road into a fortress again if they are to carry on their hopes of qualifying for next summer's European Championship finals.

Ireland face Albania and Georgia in the return fixtures at Lansdowne Road in June, followed by a home clash with Russia in September. They have lost just one competitive game at home in nearly eight years - to Switzerland last October - and captain Cunningham believes they need to embark on another such run.

The Birmingham defender said: "Lansdowne Road has to be a fortress again.

"Traditionally we have been impressive at home.

"But that wasn't the case against Switzerland last October and we will be looking to rectify that."